Due to plate motions, tidal effects of the Moon and the Sun, atmosphe ric, hydrological, ocean loading and local geological processes, and due to the rotation of the Earth, all points on the Earth's crust are sub ject to deformation. Global plate motion models, based on the ocean floor spreading rates, transform fault azimuths, and earthquake slip vectors, describe average plate motions for a time period of the past few million years. Therefore, the investigation of present-day tectonic activities by global plate motion models in a small area with complex movements cannot supply satisfactory results. The contribution of space techniques [Very Long Baseline Interferome try (VLBI); Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR); Global Positioning System (GPS)] applied to the present-day deformations ofthe Earth's surface and plate tectonics has increased during the last 20 to 25 years. Today one is able to determine by these methods the relative motions in the em to sub-em-range between points far away from each other.

Statistical Shape and Deformation Analysis: Methods, Implementation and Applications contributes enormously to solving different problems in patient care and physical anthropology, ranging from improved automatic registration and segmentation in medical image computing to the study of genetics, evolution and comparative form in physical anthropology and biology. This book gives a clear description of the concepts, methods, algorithms and techniques developed over the last three decades that is followed by examples of their implementation using open source software. Applications of statistical shape and deformation analysis are given for a wide variety of fields, including biometry, anthropology, medical image analysis and clinical practice. Presents an accessible introduction to the basic concepts, methods, algorithms and techniques in statistical shape and deformation analysis Includes implementation examples using open source software Covers real-life applications of statistical shape and deformation analysis methods

"The Mediterranean region and Asia provide a natural laboratory to investigate the driving forces of continental tectonics in an ongoing collisional orogen and the crustal and mantle response to various modes of deformation associated with plate boundary processes. The multidisciplinary research efforts in this region over the last fifteen years have produced a wealth of new data to better understand the interplay and feedback mechanisms between crustal and mantle processes and the dynamic landscape evolution in a complexly deforming area. A number of discrete collisional events between the Gondwana-derived continental fragments (i.e., Adria, Pelagonia, Arabia, India) and Eurasia controlled the geodynamics of the Mediterranean region and Asia during the late Mesozoic and Cenozoic. This book is a collection of research papers, presenting new data, interpretations, and syntheses on various aspects of the collision-induced tectonic, magmatic, metamorphic, and geomorphic processes that have affected the evolution of this orogenic belt. It should help us better understand the mode and nature of tectonic and magmatic processes and crustal evolution in active collision zones, and the distribution and causes of seismic and volcanic events and their impact on landscape evolution."--Publisher's website.

Functionally Graded Porous Structures: Applied Methods in Mechanical Performance Evaluation, Machine Learning Aided Analysis, and Additive Manufacturing presents a state-of-the-art review of the latest advances and cutting-edge technologies in this important research field. The book is divided into three key sections. The first section begins with an introduction to functionally graded porous structures and details the effects of graded porosities on bending, buckling, and vibration behaviours within the framework of Timoshenko beam theory, and first-order shear deformable plate theory. The second section is focused on the usage of machine learning techniques for smart structural analysis of porous components as an evolution from traditional engineering, methods. The third section focuses on additive manufacturing of structures with graded porosities for end-user applications. The book follows a clear path from design and analysis to fabrication and applications. Readers will find extensive knowledge and examples of functionally graded porous structures that are suitable for innovative research and market needs, with applications relevant to a diverse range of industrial fields, including mechanical, structural, aerospace, energy, and biomedical engineering. Provides a comprehensive picture of novel porous materials and advanced lightweight structural technologies that are applicable to a diverse range of industrial sectors Updated with the most recent advances in the field of porous structures Goes beyond traditional structural aspects and covers novel evaluation strategies, machine learning aided analysis, and additive manufacturing Covers weight management strategies for structural components to achieve multifunctional purposes Addresses key issues in the design of lightweight structures, offering significant environmental benefits

This edited work covers piezoelectric materials in the form of beams, plates, shells, and other structural components in modern devices and structures. Applications are frequency control and detection functions in resonators, sensors, actuators, oscillations, and other smart and intelligent structures. The products and technology are with us in our daily life through computers and communication devices. The contributions cover novel methods for the analysis of piezoelectric structures including wave propagation, high frequency vibration, material characterization, and optimization of structures. Understanding of these methods is increasingly important in the design and modelling of next generation devices and micro-structures with piezoelectric elements and effects.

Taking a mechanistic approach that emphasizes the physical behavior of rubber as it slides, Analyzing Friction in the Design of Rubber Products and Their Paired Surfaces integrates the engineering and scientific evidence demonstrating that the laws of metallic friction do not apply to rubber. The book also presents a newly developed, scienti